Image courtesy of Young Catholics.
A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people closest to my heart!
God bless you and your generous heart
Pentecost
“Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of the faithful.”
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (cf. 30)
“Knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit. He comes to meet us and kindle faith in us.”
(CCC,683)
In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room.
A “strong driving” wind filled the room where they gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand each other. It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk—-but Peter pointed out that it was only the morning, and said the phenomenon was caused by the Holy Spirit.
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission—to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations. It fulfills the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel.
Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church
It was right after Pentecost that Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached his first Homily to Jews and other non-believers, in which he opened the scriptures of the Old Testament, showing how the prophet Joel prophesied events and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He also told the people that the Jesus they crucified is the Lord and was raised from the dead, which “cut them to the heart”. When they asked what they should do, Peter exhorted them to repent their sins and to be baptized.
According to the account in Acts, about 3,000 people were baptized following Peter’s sermon. For this reason, Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church – Peter, the first Pope, preached for the first time and converted thousands of new believers.
The apostles and believers, for the first time, were united by a common language and a common zeal and purpose to go and preach the Gospel.
“Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of the faithful.”
Again, may God bless you.
With lots of love and blessings,
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
Set up Online Giving.
You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring gifts.
Join our Parish Family
Register in the parish, so that it’s easy to become a confirmation sponsor or Godparent.
Want to Lend a Helping Hand?
Find volunteer opportunities and share your talents.
Need a Helping Hand?
We are here to help. Request home visits, send a prayer request. For urgent needs call 954.943.3684
Past Messages from Father Nathan
Father Nathan St Gabriel | June 07, 2020 | Solemnity of The Holy Trinity
Father Nathan St Gabriel | June 07, 2020 Solemnity of The Holy Trinity A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! Lovable and prayerful greetings to you. I was extremely glad to see some of you in person last weekend. I was extremely...
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 31, 2020 | Pentecost Sunday
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 31, 2020 Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! Welcome Back Glad to see some of you are back in the church. I am also glad to still see some of you quarantining at home,...
Memorial Day | Ragged Old Flag
Ragged Old FlagI walked through a county courthouse square, On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I Said, “Your old courthouse is kinda run down.” He said, “Nah, It’ll do for our little town.” I said, “Your flagpole has leaned a little bit, And That’s a Ragged...
Father Nathan St Gabriel | Plan to Return to Worship
Father Nathan St Gabriel | Welcome Back To Worship A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! CHURCH OPENING There is light at the end of the tunnel! St. Gabriel Church, like all other churches in our country, has been closed due to the...
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 24, 2020 Spiritual Communion
What’s the Eucharist?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1324-1327), states, I take pride in quoting it all the time. Each and every word has to be underlined. Every word accentuates the importance of the Eucharist: “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit’…
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 17, 2020
Father Nathan St Gabriel | May 17, 2020 A Message from Father NathanMy dearest people who are close to my heart! I hope and believe you are doing great and staying safe. My prayers are always with you. Please be assured of it. Beginning to Plan for a safe Reopening ...